Pa. (WETM) – Commonwealth University President Dr. Bashar W. Hanna has announced that he will be stepping down from his position at the university at the end of July and assuming a new position with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
On Tuesday, April 29, the university released a statement disclosing that Hanna will step down from his position as president of the university on July 31, 2025, to take on a new role as vice chancellor for strategic initiatives for PASSHE.
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In his announcement, Hanna highlighted his time serving as the first president of Commonwealth University, which was established in 2022 following the integration of Bloomsburg, Mansfield and Lock Haven universities.
"Serving as your president has been the greatest honor of my professional life," Hanna said. "Together, we have laid a strong foundation for Commonwealth University's future, and I look forward to seeing CU continue to thrive."
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Additionally, Hanna expressed gratitude and excitement to continue supporting public higher education across Pennsylvania in his new role with PASSHE.
"This new opportunity is both humbling and exciting-a chance to bring the lessons we've learned together at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield to a broader stage," Hanna said. "It's an opportunity to help shape the future of higher education across the Commonwealth, advancing innovation, sustainability, and above all, student success."
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In the release from the university, it was noted that Hanna led the integration of the three universities into Commonwealth University, making it the most affordable State System institution, improving graduation rates, narrowing equity gaps and securing record-breaking philanthropic support.
During his time as president, funding for the Bloomsburg University Foundation nearly doubled to $90 million and the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation was launched. In addition, the university as a whole hit a major milestone by raising $88 million toward its ongoing multi-year $100 million comprehensive campaign goal.
Hanna is set to begin his new role with PASSHE on Aug. 1, 2025.
